Boston Man Facing Manslaughter Charge In Connection With February Assault

A senior citizen died from his injuries one week after the incident took place.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Oct 29, 2026 10:02 AM EDT

BOSTON, MA — A man is facing a manslaughter charge in connection with the death of a man who was punched and knocked to the ground earlier this year, according to the Boston Police Department.

Jason Jones, 39, of Dorchester, was arrested at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, near 1900 Dorchester Ave. in connection with the February death of Stephen Barrett, 66, of Dorchester. Jones was taken into custody on an arrest warrant issued earlier that day out of Dorchester District Court.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred Tuesday, Feb. 10, at approximately 8:41 p.m. when officers responded to a report of an unconscious man on the ground outside 1931 Dorchester Ave.

Upon arrival, officers located Barrett unresponsive while Boston Fire Department personnel were administering CPR. Investigators determined that Barrett had been punched by another man, causing him to fall backward and strike his head against the pavement.

Boston EMS transported Barrett to a local hospital, where he remained hospitalized before being pronounced dead on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Following an investigation by the Boston Police Homicide Unit, detectives identified Jones as the suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest more than eight months after the incident.

Jones is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court on charges of manslaughter and assault and battery on a person 60 or older or disabled.

Police have not released additional information about what led up to the alleged assault or the relationship between Jones and Barrett. The incident remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Boston Police homicide detectives at 617-343-4470.